“The big issue and where there is agreement here is that we need to remove legacy policing from contemporary policing.”

The PSNI confirmed the meeting took place.

Speaking ahead of their meeting, Mrs McDonald said: “We are going to meet to discuss primarily issues around dealing with legacy, the PSNI disclosing and co-operating with the police and the ombudsman and other bodies, and I think we will have a frank conversation.

“My interactions with George Hamilton have always been open and direct and I imagine that tomorrow (Thursday) will be no different.”

The Sinn Fein spokesman said Mrs McDonald also raised her concerns about the court case against Belfast journalist Trevor Birney at the meeting.

Mr Birney was arrested six months ago over the alleged theft of confidential material from the offices of the Ombudsman, Dr Michael Maguire.

The material relates to a police investigation into the murder of six men in Loughinisland.

The Sinn Fein president’s remarks about the next chief constable triggered a furore last month.

Mr Hamilton responded in robust terms, accusing her of poor leadership and suggesting she had “contaminated” and “interfered” with the selection process.

Mrs McDonald’s assertion, from which she has not resiled, came after she met bereaved families caught up in a controversy involving the PSNI’s failure to disclose documents about killings to the Ombudsman.